Moving Christians from the pew to the harvest.” Matthew 9:36-38
July 11, 2024
Ready or not!
Years ago, I heard Bob Yandian teaching on being consistent and persevering. He said that God loves “plodders.” I think I believe that. Most great things come after long periods of just staying in faith and staying steady. In fact, James said something along those lines in his epistle:
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
James 1:2-5 BSB
Perseverance has a work to complete. Most of us want the microwave kind of faith, but God seems to like it “low and slow” in most situations. (Shout out to BBQ buddies)
In May I was able to see the fruit of what we have been doing in Hermosillo for over 20 years: Steadfast, faith-filled men and women growing as leaders and training others. In June I had the joy of ministering with folks in New York whom I have known for nearly 40 years. It is a joy to be part of their story.
Two things seemed obvious. First, God is emphasizing prayer, the persistent kind, the wrestling in intercession and travail kind. He always stirs up people to pray before He moves in a dramatic way, and He is doing so now. There are people praying in churches and homes all over the nation who feel the urgency of the hour. That leads to the second thing: It’s miracle time. We need a move of God. Nothing else will do. We are seeing the first fruits of this movement as God demonstrates His presence and power to heal and deliver.
Here’s the point. Whatever God has given you to do, keep doing it. Perseverance has a job to do. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to serve, how about jumping on the prayer train? Find a place to join a prayer group or just lock yourself in for an hour and pray in the Spirit. If that’s not for you, find a place where you can give of your time and treasure. To those of you who have prayed for us and supported our work, thank you. Don’t stop. It’s miracle time.
Victory Over Addictions: It seems that our ministry to those with addiction problems comes in waves. On June 15th we held a Saturday morning seminar at Believer’s Church @ Glenville in Glenville, NY. As usual, most of the attendees were people who had loved ones with a problem. That’s usual, and that’s okay. The response was a blessing. Many understood the nature of the problem for the first time. They also discovered ways to approach it that might actually work.
If you or a loved one has an addiction issue, you can find our 2-book package on the subject virgil and I will get them to you asap. I would also be happy to discuss doing a seminar at your church. Finally, you can get the whole Victory Over Addiction class and use it in your church or facility.
Building People of Substance for Works of Power. That was the commission God gave us many years ago. Our Faith Ministry Training Institute bible program has been a big part of that. We also produce printed materials that help you do ministry. In the last 5 years, God added a new clause to my job description. He told me to “mentor others.” That was a bit of a stretch for me, as I tend to like to keep my own counsel. But the pandemic gave me the opportunity to do that stretch. Thanks to Zoom and the wonder of the internet, I have been able to spend valuable time encouraging, instructing, and hopefully imparting attitudes and information to men and women with a heart to serve. Thanks to all of you who make that possible.
Thank You! Together, we are changing the world, one life at a time. You make it possible for us to continue with the commission to build people of substance for works of power. I’m trying this summer to get some writing done. Thank you for allowing that to happen.
Financial support can be sent to Faith Christian Fellowship of Tucson at the address below or given online at www.fcftucson.org. Make checks payable to FCFT and designate missions or pastorvirgil and it will get where it needs to go.
Here are some things you can do to help:
- Please follow us at www.pastorvirgil.com. Share it with your friends.
- Visit the Pastorvirgil.com Facebook page and hit “Follow.”
- Whenever you see a post, share it. This will help us reach more people. (We also maintain a Facebook page in Spanish @IEMFeonline.)
Pray! Pray without ceasing. Pray at every remembrance. Until the day, PRAY!
Virgil and Judy Stokes
3141 W. Ironwood Hill Dr.
Tucson AZ, 85745
520-792-3238
pastorvirgil.com 